Negrense OFW killed in Iran missile strike returns home

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The body of a Negrense overseas Filipino worker who died in Israel after being hit in an Iranian missile attack arrived here Thursday morning.

“We were there to pay our last respects to Leah Mosquera,” said Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. “She was an OFW who sacrificed her time away from home to provide a better life for her family.”

Lacson joined Mosquera’s grieving family and friends at Bacolod-Silay Airport for the arrival of her remains.

Department of Migrant Workers Negros Island Region Director Glenda Aligonza, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Region 6 Director James Mendiola, Provincial Public Employment Service Office Head Karen Dinsay, and PESO staff were also present.

Lacson said OFWs are among the country’s biggest economic contributors, noting they remitted about PHP33 billion last year.

He added that Mosquera was one of the millions of OFWs who helped sustain the country’s economy.

Lacson also said he assured the family that financial assistance would be provided once the necessary documents are ready.

Earlier, the governor said the provincial government would extend PHP190,000 in aid to Mosquera’s family.

According to Mosquera’s sibling Joy, Leah was confined in a hospital for 28 days after being hit in the chest during the June 15, 2025, attack.

Joy, who also works as an OFW in Israel, said Leah was on her day off when the missile strike occurred.

Despite undergoing surgery for lung damage, Leah remained comatose until her passing, Joy said.

She added that she was on duty at the time of the attack, while Leah and three others were asleep around 2 a.m. and were caught off guard when the missile struck at 2:36 p.m.

Joy said she had warned Leah about the potential attack, but Leah likely didn’t hear the siren because she was in a deep sleep after a long day at work.

Leah’s wake is currently being held at their home in Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique town.

San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said he has spoken with Mosquera’s siblings to ask what assistance they need.

The municipal government extended PHP7,000 in death assistance and one sack of rice, while families of OFWs receive PHP10,000, he added.

Tubillara also said that police and barangay watchmen are securing the family’s compound.

OWWA Regional Director James Mendiola said they received direct orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assist Mosquera’s family.

He said the OWWA will cover all funeral and burial expenses.

Mendiola added that both the OWWA and DMW are committed to supporting the family during this difficult time.

According to OWWA data, 1,712 OFWs from Western Visayas remain in Israel, including 210 from Negros Occidental.